{"id":371953,"date":"2023-11-11T18:07:59","date_gmt":"2023-11-11T23:07:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/colorado-law\/colorado-district-attorneys.html"},"modified":"2023-11-11T18:07:59","modified_gmt":"2023-11-11T23:07:59","slug":"colorado-district-attorneys","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/colorado-law\/colorado-district-attorneys.html","title":{"rendered":"Colorado District Attorneys"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Colorado District Attorneys<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lisa Burden, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A district attorney (D.A.) prosecutes criminal cases for the government. A Colorado D.A. typically decides whether to file charges under Colorado criminal law or convene a grand jury in cases ranging from DUIs to violent crimes.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\r\n

Learn about Colorado’s district attorneys and how to contact your region’s prosecutor below.<\/p>\r\n

Communicating With the Prosecution<\/h2>\r\n

If you’ve been charged with a crime\u2014whether related to child abuse, mental health issues, or any other offense\u2014it’s important to know that the prosecutor in your case is not on your side. It doesn’t matter how cordial they may appear.<\/p>\r\n

The U.S. criminal justice system prioritizes the civil rights of individuals but remains adversarial<\/a>. This means the prosecutor’s objective is to build a case against you while you, guided by your criminal defense attorney, take care of your legal representation.<\/p>\r\n

Although the prosecutor is your adversary, it doesn’t mean that you and your defense team should never talk to the prosecution.<\/p>\r\n

If you’re represented by an experienced criminal defense attorney, discussions with the district attorney’s office often reveal the prosecution’s case strategy. These discussions also mention the evidence they plan to use<\/a> in their case. So, for example, if the case involves witness testimony, your attorney can work on discrediting that witness and their testimony.<\/p>\r\n

It also may be helpful to communicate with the prosecution because of the prospect of obtaining a plea bargain<\/a>. A plea deal means you agree not to contest the case or certain facts of the case. In return, the prosecutor agrees to dismiss certain charges or seek reduced charges or penalties.<\/p>\r\n

Plea negotiations are sensitive discussions. They should only be held with the advice and assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. After all, if you don’t reach a deal, any admissions you make during negotiations could haunt you at trial.<\/p>\r\n

Public Defenders<\/h2>\r\n

The Colorado State Public Defender <\/a>provides legal help to people charged with a crime in Colorado state court who cannot afford to hire an attorney.<\/p>\r\n

If you’re in custody and facing felony or misdemeanor charges, the Colorado court automatically qualifies you for court-appointed legal representation. If you aren’t in custody, you need to apply for a public defender. Income and asset standards must be met. You must give the court a form detailing your income, expenses, assets, and household size. If you meet the income eligibility criteria, the court will appoint a public defender to represent you in your criminal case.<\/p>\r\n

Some people worry that public defenders aren’t \u201creal" attorneys. However, the state of Colorado licenses public defenders to act as attorneys. They are members of the state’s bar association. Public defenders are Colorado criminal defense lawyers and often have years of experience handling Colorado criminal cases.<\/p>\r\n

Those accused of criminal offenses under federal law who can’t afford an attorney can get a Colorado federal public defender<\/a>. Federal public defenders represent defendants who cannot afford private counsel in U.S. District Courts and federal appellate courts. This includes offenses such as:<\/p>\r\n